Global warming effects continue; Süleyman Yayla Lake has dried up

Extreme drought and hot weather resulting from the global climate crisis are drying up many lakes, while dams are sounding the red alarm. As the world heads toward a water crisis, a new one has been added to the list of dried-up lakes.

Yayla Lake, located within the borders of the Süleymanlı neighborhood at an altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level in the Buldan district of Denizli, has dried up due to the drought and extreme temperatures experienced this year. A significant drop in water levels has been observed in the lake, which has a surface area of 466.5 decares.

The lake is covered with fresh water, a surface filled with water lilies, and wooded areas around it. While freshwater fish such as carp and catfish live in the lake, migratory birds also use this area as a short-term stopover. Additionally, wild animals such as rabbits, boars, porcupines, and badgers are frequently seen around the lake.

It is stated that there are 95 plant groups around Yayla Lake. Of these plants, 2 are endemic, 62 live around the lake, and 33 live inside the lake or attached to the lake bed. Furthermore, all that remains of Süleymanlı Yayla Lake, known as a 'Bird Paradise' due to the 182 bird species it hosts, is a dried-up lake bed. The lake and its surroundings are protected as a 1st Degree Natural Site and are also used as a tourist camping spot. However, the fact that rainfall in the region this year remained below seasonal norms has made the effects of drought in the lake evident. This situation shows that the water level in the lake has decreased significantly and is having negative effects on the ecosystem.

“Farmers will lose the water in their wells, it will cause an agricultural crisis”

While citizens who saw the final state of the lake expressed their outrage at the situation, they stated that a solution must be found urgently. Salih Tosya, while stating that the lake is a quiet and very beautiful place, expressed that Süleymanlı Yayla Lake is one of the places they frequent during the sweltering heat of summer. Tosya said, "I remember my childhood, the water depth here was great, but the current situation is unfortunately dried up. Due to the drought, the water lilies have also emerged. Also, the people who have picnics here are not careful. There are alcohol bottles and canned corn right at the points where the water has receded. You bring these here, but why don't you put them in a bag and throw them in the trash? It's a shame. If it doesn't snow here in the winter, we are really in trouble. It is the source that feeds the groundwater extending from Buldan to the Sarayköy border. The farmers in the plain will lose the water in their wells. This will cause an agricultural crisis in the coming years affected by the climate. One doesn't know what to say. It is painful to see such a beautiful lake in this state."

Aykan Zorlu, who stated that a solution plan should be created, said, "This lake was the entertainment spot of our childhood years. People would have fun and spend time everywhere. Of course, due to global factors and the lack of rainfall, it has reached the point of becoming a desert. I want to call out to the authorities; we want a solution to be found in a short time."